Chief Commissioner's Blog | Awards for all: a follow up

Wayne takes a look back at a popular subject from January 2012 and reports on its progress.

One of my blogs that received the most comments talked about the importance of the adult awards scheme and thanking volunteers. Many of you made suggestions and observations on the current scheme and so I thought I would take the opportunity to follow up and share with you some of the things that happened as a consequence.

Making life easier and fairer

We will shortly introduce an amended application pro-forma, which breaks down the previous requirement for a citation into a number of sub-headings/questions that will make it easier for nominees to complete. Shortly after the initial launch of Compass it will also be possible to submit applications wholly online.

In addition, line managers now receive data comparing the number of adults with Good Service awards within their Districts; this enables managers to better identify areas where volunteers appear to be under-recognised in comparison to others.

Of course, all such data is only of value when used appropriately by line managers and the ongoing leadership and management work focuses on ensuring that all volunteers within Scouting feel supported, inspired and motivated.

External recognition

We have changed our internal guidance so that it is no longer necessary for an individual to hold a Silver Wolf before an external honour is supported; in addition Commissioners have been briefed on ensuring their Lord Lieutenants and similar are fully aware of local Scouting.

Nationally, we have met with the National Honours office to ensure that they are similarly briefed on Scouting and, in particular, our own award scheme. We worked with them to ensure that Scouting nominations are structured in the most effective way.

It is pleasing to note that we have averaged some 25 national honours over each of the last two years.

Practical help

The Awards Board continues to provide practical advice and support to local managers concerning specific enquiries and remain open to attend local workshops where appropriate. Those of you joining us at Gilwell Reunion will have an opportunity to meet with members of the Board and attend a number of workshops being held.

Greater flexibility

In response to suggestions that the previous requirement for a minimum five years’ service for any Good Service Award was too restricting, we have introduced the Commissioners Commendation Award, which allows the relevant Commissioner to recognise good service, typically from those with shorter service overall.

In terms of wider recognition, we are presently in the second year of our annual member’s survey, which intends to track internal morale as well as collect feedback from you on other areas.

While we still have a long way to go in ensuring all adults are properly recognised within our Movement, hopefully, as you can see, we have listened and acted on your feedback and will continue to do so.